Supreme Court Stays Proceedings For Cheating, Criminal Breach Of Trust Against Ameesha Patel

The Supreme Court has stayed criminal proceedings for the offence of cheating and criminal breach of trust against Bollywood actor Ameesha Patel in connection with summons issued by a trial court in Jharkhand.

A Bench of Justice B R Gavai and Justice P S Narasimha issued notice to the Jharkhand government on the plea filed by the actor.

The Apex Court, however, said proceedings for offences punishable under Section 138 (cheque bounce) of the Negotiable Instruments Act be proceeded in accordance with law.

Senior Advocate Siddharth Aggarwal appeared for Patel while Advocate Subodh K. Pathak and others appeared for the respondents.

"Issue notice only with regard to the offences punishable under Sections 406 and 420 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860. Until further orders, the proceedings under Sections 406 and 420 of the Indian Penal Code shall remain stayed", the Court ordered. 

"We, however, clarify that the proceedings, insofar as offences punishable under Section 138 (cheque bounce) of the Negotiable Instruments Act are concerned, they be proceeded in accordance with law," the Court added.

The Court's order came on an appeal filed by Patel against the May 5, 2022 order of the Jharkhand High Court which dismissed the plea seeking quashing and setting aside of the order by a trial court in Ranchi, in connection with a complaint against her.

The Court had taken cognisance for the offences under Sections 406, 420, 34 of the Indian Penal Code and Section 138 of Negotiable Instruments Act on the complaint filed by producer Ajay Kumar Singh.

According to the complaint, Singh transferred Rs 2.5 crore in the actor's bank account for production of a movie titled Desi Magic.

Patel, however, did not proceed with the film as was promised and did return the money either. The High Court had said that prima facie, it appears that all the accused persons are liable to refund the amount in question.

Cause Title: Ameesha Patel v. State of Jharkhand & Ors. 

Click here to read/download Order

With PTI inputs